N.J. law aims to protect foreign-born women from human trafficking

John O'Boyle/The Star-LedgerA file photo of Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (D-Somerset).TRENTON -- A new law in New Jersey seeks to protect foreign-born women who come to work as nannies or so-called "mail-order brides."

Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (D-Somerset) Chisaid he pushed for tougher requirements for the owners of international matchmaking or labor recruiting companies in order to curtail human trafficking.

The legislation requires the owners of such companies to undergo criminal background checks.

Chivukula said foreign citizens are sometimes recruited under false pretenses and then subjected to slavery-like conditions once they arrive in the U.S.

Chivukula said its often a challenge to determine the jurisdiction over companies that are largely Internet-based and operate internationally. He said strengthening anti-trafficking laws at the state level helps bridge the gap between federal legislation and local police forces that may not have the resources to prosecute large-scale trafficking rings.

The Consumer Affairs Division will conduct the background checks, and they will be also be done on any 'mail-order bride' or au pair services already operating in the state that recruit foreign workers.